“My flight leaves tonight” is a phrase I like to hear
because it means the guest will return to the care of the family doctor. Until
then he or she is my responsibility. Now and then, I don’t like to hear
it.
A guest awoke feeling well but soon noticed some
abdominal pain.
When I hear “abdominal pain” I ask about vomiting and/or
diarrhea and hope it’s present. That points to a stomach virus, usually a
short-lived and not very serious problem.
Abdominal pain alone can mean a stomach virus, but I
also consider serious conditions (gallstones, diverticulitis) and potentially
fatal ones (ectopic pregnancy, blood clots). I prefer to send these guests
directly to an emergency room, but sometimes I end up at the hotel.
This guest considered my question before deciding that
he had diarrhea. Maybe… My abdominal examination turned up nothing requiring
urgent attention. He was young, so several life-threatening problems were
unlikely. The pain itself was unpleasant but not quite excruciating.
It was a difficult decision, but doctors are paid
generously to make difficult decisions.
I told him that he probably had a stomach virus, but I
couldn’t rule out something serious. I would give him something for the
diarrhea and check back. I added that he might need some tests and that he must
not get on the plane if the pain persisted.
When I phoned after three hours, he had checked out.
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